FOOD
Chattanooga Area Food Bank
Contact info: 211 or (423) 622-1800
Address: 2009 Curtain Pole Road, Chattanooga, TN – 37406
Serves the Chattanooga area, provides once-monthly food boxes (pickup or delivery) and assists in finding other local food banks and pantries.
Metropolitan Ministries Food Pantry
Contact info: (423) 624-9650
Address: 4001 Rossville Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN – 374073
Serves the Chattanooga area, provides supplemental nutrition services including monthly food pantry availability and go-bags.
Brainerd Food Pantry
Contact info: (423) 624-2606
Address: 4011 Austin Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37411
Provides a free food box the 3rd Wednesday of every month, between 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. for people that request.
HACOBA Care Ministry Food Pantry
Contact info: (423) 821-2976
Address: 4501 Virginia Avenue, Chattanooga, TN – 37409
Provides food/grocery supplies every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. in the Chattanooga area.
TN Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women &Amp; Children
Contact info: 1-800-342-5942 or (423) 209-8000
Address: 921 E 3rd Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37403
Program that provides healthy supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for mothers, infants, and children. Eligible for people who are on TennCare, have SNAP benefits, or meet income benchmarks.
St. Elmo United Methodist Church Food Pantry
Contact info: (423) 490-7039
Address: 4626 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN – 37409
Serves the Chattanooga area, food pantry is open the second Saturday and fourth Friday of every month starting at 11:30 A.M. and closing around 12:30 P.M.
Red Bank Community Food Pantry
Contact info: (423) 877-2881
Address: 3800 Dayton Boulevard, Chattanooga, TN – 37415
Provides food supplies for people in the Chattanooga and Red Bank areas on the first and third Thursday every month from 4:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Hope for the Inner City
Contact info: (423) 698-3178
Address: 1800 Roanoke Avenue, Chattanooga, TN – 37406
Distributes food, recipe cards, and preparation tips every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 11:00 A.M. until the food that day is gone.
Grace Episcopal Church Food Pantry
Contact info: (423) 698-2433
Address: 20 Belvoir Avenue, Chattanooga, TN – 37411
Distributes canned goods, bread, and snacks on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Find Other Food Near You
https://www.chattfoodbank.org/find-food/near-you
https://www.chattfoodbank.org/find-food/near-you
CLOTHING, FURNITURE & HOUSEHOLD ASSISTANCE
Bayberry Apartments
Contact info: (423) 680-6325
Address: 2300 Wilson Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37406
Alton Place
Contact info: (423) 822-5100
Address: 335 Croll Court, Chattanooga, TN – 37410
Magnolia Gardens Apartments
Contact info: (423) 479-3005
Address: 779 Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN – 37403
Cummings Place
Contact info: (423) 825-2053
Address: 22 Starview Lane, Chattanooga, TN – 37419
Ridgeway Affordable Apartments (Section 8)
Contact info: (423) 267-1088
Address: 1230 Poplar Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37403
Timber Ridge Co-Op Homes
Contact info: (423) 894-0214
Address: 201 Timber Knoll Drive, Chattanooga, TN – 37421
Silvertree Senior Apartments (Age 62+)
Contact info: (423) 344-8361
Address: 5465 Highway 58, Chattanooga, TN – 37416
Battery Heights
Contact info: (423) 624-0311
Address: 3401 Campbell Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37406
Eastwood Manor
Contact info: (423) 622-5761
Address: 3831 Wilcox Blvd, Chattanooga, TN – 37411
Patten Towers
Contact info: (423) 266-2334
Address: One E Eleventh Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37402
River View Tower for Seniors
Contact info: (423) 266-8740
Address: 500 W Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN – 37402
The Overlook
Contact info: (423) 756-4680
Address: 1201 Boynton Drive, Chattanooga, TN – 37402
Whiteside Faith Manor
Contact info: (423) 414-2548
Address: 735 E Tenth Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37403
Additional Websites for Finding Income-Based Living
RENT/UTILITY BILLS
Northside Neighborhood House
Contact info: (423) 267-2217
Address: 211 Minor Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37405
Serves zip codes 37415, 37405, 37343, 37351, 37379, 37373, 37304
Samaritan Center
Contact info: (423) 238-7777
Address: 6017 Ooltewah Georgetown Road, Ooltewah, TN – 37363
Serves Eastern Hamilton County
Metropolitan Ministries
Contact info: (423) 624-9650 for direct or (423) 624-9654 for questions
Address: 4001 Rossville Blvd, Chattanooga, TN – 37407
First 15 callers starting at 9:00 A.M., Monday through Wednesday
Salvation Army
Contact info: (423) 756-1023 or (423) 698-4484
Address: 2140 E 28th Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37407
Offers assistance with emergency utility payments
Veteran Financial Assistance Program
Contact info: (847) 359-8811
Address: P.O. Box 2663, Palatine, IL – 60078 (Mailing Address)
For post-2011 Veterans and active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reservists) with VA Service-Connection
St. Vincent De Paul Society
Contact info: (423) 999-6332 or (423) 622-7232
Address: 501 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN – 37412
Serves Chattanooga area, call for availability
Sewer Lateral Assistance Program
Contact info: (423) 643-5877
Call to apply for financial assistance in sewer repairs or replacements
Office of Family Empowerment
Contact info: (423) 643-6434
Address: 6098 Debra Road, Chattanooga, TN 37411
Get connected to multiple resources including LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and Housing Discrimination Reports
Good Neighbors Inc
Contact info: (423) 266-1772
Address: 737 E 10th Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37403
Serves Chattanooga area, call for availability
Family Promise of Greater Chattanooga
Contact info: (423) 756-3891
Address: 1184 Baldwin Street, Chattanooga, TN – 37403
Specializes in assisting families with obtaining and maintaining sustainable independence through multiple avenues, including searching for long-term housing and resources. Focuses on seniors and single mothers.
Additional Useful Websites
https://chattanooga.gov/services/assistance-programs
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/help_with_rent_hamilton_county.html
https://www.findhelp.org/housing/help-pay-for-housing–chattanooga-tn
https://team211.communityos.org/
https://chattanooga.gov/services/assistance-programs
https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/help_with_rent_hamilton_county.html
https://www.findhelp.org/housing/help-pay-for-housing–chattanooga-tn
https://team211.communityos.org/
SPECIFIC RENT/UTLILTY ASSITANCE
Selma Schimmel Vital Grant
Assists individuals facing significant financial hardship due to the diagnosis of a chronic, terminal, or rare condition such as Cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, and others. Helps with Utility OR Grocery expenses.
Find more information and apply at https://www.vitaloptions.org/assistance
Find more information and apply at https://www.vitaloptions.org/assistance
Lupus Emergency Grant Program (LEGP)
Assists individuals diagnosed with Lupus that have been financially impacted negatively by the disease. The up to $500 grant may cover emergency/personal living expenses, past-due utility bills, excessive medical bills, or prescription medications.
Find more information and apply at
https://www.lupusresearch.org/about-lupus/resource-center/financial/
Find more information and apply at
https://www.lupusresearch.org/about-lupus/resource-center/financial/
Destiny Pregnancy Support & Adoption Services
Provides financial assistance in rent, utilities, and other life essentials for birth mothers who choose adoption through Destiny Adoption Services. Assistance services stretch from pregnancy to up to 3 months after birth for support.
Find more information at
https://destinyadoption.com/pregnancy-support-1
or call the Knoxville office at (865) 392-6261 or the Nashville office at (615) 206-7552 to check services and funding availability.
Find more information at
https://destinyadoption.com/pregnancy-support-1
or call the Knoxville office at (865) 392-6261 or the Nashville office at (615) 206-7552 to check services and funding availability.
Giving Kitchen
Provides rent and utility assistance to individuals who work in the food service industry who have experienced unexpected injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, or housing disaster within the past 4 months while working in food service.
Find more information and apply at
https://givingkitchen.org/how-we-help/financial-assistance/
or call (404) 254-1227
Find more information and apply at
https://givingkitchen.org/how-we-help/financial-assistance/
or call (404) 254-1227
American Kidney Fund – Safety Net Grant
Mainly assists individuals with Kidney Failure/Disease that have trouble affording healthcare expenses that are not covered by insurance. MAY assist financially with other essentials, like utility costs.
Find more information at
https://www.kidneyfund.org/get-assistance
and call (800) 638-8299 to inquire about funding availability or further resources.
Find more information at
https://www.kidneyfund.org/get-assistance
and call (800) 638-8299 to inquire about funding availability or further resources.
Housing Opportunities for People Living with Aids (HOPWA)
Federally funded program that provides Short-Term Rent, Mortgage, and Utility assistance (STRMU) for individuals diagnosed and severely affected by HIV/AIDS.
General information about HOPWA can be found at:
https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/std/std/hopwa.html
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/hopwa/
ADVERTISED TO BE ACCESSIBLE THROUGH LOCAL CARE AGENCIES, SPECIFICALLY:
CEMPA COMMUNITY CARE – (423) 265-2273 (Provides care coordination and case management services that may have access to HOPWA funds)
https://cempa.org/behavioral-health/
CHOICE HEALTH NETWORK CHATTANOOGA – (423) 803-2580
https://choicehealthnetwork.org/services/housing/
Call these locations to inquire about availability in your area!
Finding Other Resources
Finding financial assistance for rent/utility costs can be difficult. However, there are multiple websites and strategies to help you search.
Go to https://team211.communityos.org to explore some of 211 United Way’s resources and connections.
VISIT https://www.findhelp.org/money/financial-assistance–chattanooga-tn and browse additional options by filtering results. Do a Google search for churches in your area. Give them a call and inquire if they have any charitable assistance programs of any kind!
BE AWARE OF SCAMS. Do NOT trust any websites that claim to be able to assist you but first ask for a Credit Card number, Gift Card code, or Bank Account information. If you are unsure, BE SAFE and ask for help from someone you trust if you need it.
Go to https://team211.communityos.org to explore some of 211 United Way’s resources and connections.
VISIT https://www.findhelp.org/money/financial-assistance–chattanooga-tn and browse additional options by filtering results. Do a Google search for churches in your area. Give them a call and inquire if they have any charitable assistance programs of any kind!
BE AWARE OF SCAMS. Do NOT trust any websites that claim to be able to assist you but first ask for a Credit Card number, Gift Card code, or Bank Account information. If you are unsure, BE SAFE and ask for help from someone you trust if you need it.
FINDING A DOCTOR – PRIMARY AND SPECIALTY CARE
Wellpoint
Go to https://www.wellpoint.com/tn/medicaid/search-providers
Scroll down and sort by Pharmacy, Dental Care, Vision Care, and Behavioral Health.Or go to https://www.wellpoint.com/find-care/
Use your member ID (on your insurance card), account, or guest search to access nearby providers that take your insurance, both primary and specialty care.
Go to https://www.wellpoint.com/tn/medicaid/search-providers
Scroll down and sort by Pharmacy, Dental Care, Vision Care, and Behavioral Health.Or go to https://www.wellpoint.com/find-care/
Use your member ID (on your insurance card), account, or guest search to access nearby providers that take your insurance, both primary and specialty care.
United Healthcare
Go to https://connect.werally.com/plans/uhc/273
Choose your type of plan (usually Medicaid or Medicare), enter your zip code if prompted, select “Tennessee” for your state, and specify your plan preference. To search all options, select “No Preference” and filter results as needed.
Alternatively, you can go to https://www.uhc.com/communityplan/find-a-provider
and sign in or register if you prefer to search with your membership. If not, you can search as a guest.
Go to https://connect.werally.com/plans/uhc/273
Choose your type of plan (usually Medicaid or Medicare), enter your zip code if prompted, select “Tennessee” for your state, and specify your plan preference. To search all options, select “No Preference” and filter results as needed.
Alternatively, you can go to https://www.uhc.com/communityplan/find-a-provider
and sign in or register if you prefer to search with your membership. If not, you can search as a guest.
BlueCare
Go to https://www.bcbst.com/get-care/find-care
Log in, register, or continue as guest.
Specify your network (usually BlueCare), your location, and sort by category or common search.
Go to https://www.bcbst.com/get-care/find-care
Log in, register, or continue as guest.
Specify your network (usually BlueCare), your location, and sort by category or common search.
Searching Specific Providers
If you are wondering if a specific provider takes your insurance and you know their name, go to https://lookup.doc.tenncare.gov/TNDocLookUp/TNDocSearch.aspx to search by name. Find if the provider takes your insurance plan and note their address and contact information. The bottom of the page contains links to Wellpoint, United Healthcare, and BlueCare.
If you are wondering if a specific provider takes your insurance and you know their name, go to https://lookup.doc.tenncare.gov/TNDocLookUp/TNDocSearch.aspx to search by name. Find if the provider takes your insurance plan and note their address and contact information. The bottom of the page contains links to Wellpoint, United Healthcare, and BlueCare.
OBTAINING TRANSPORTATION
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Benefit (NEMT)
If you do not have transportation to a doctor’s appointment you have set, TennCare offers a program that provides transportation to and from your medical appointment. For all TennCare members that do not have access to transportation, NEMT offers transport if they are notified of your appointment time at least two business days (72 hours) and are given the needed information of where your residence is. Direct link to TennCare NEMT information:
https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/providers/tenncare-provider-news-notices-forms/tenncare-snon-emergency-medical-transportation-benefit–nemt-.html
https://www.tn.gov/tenncare/providers/tenncare-provider-news-notices-forms/tenncare-snon-emergency-medical-transportation-benefit–nemt-.html
Specific Insurance Plan NEMT Scheduling Information
Wellpoint: Go to https://portal.tenncarriers.com/Account/Login
or call 1-866-680-0633 and select “Where is My Ride” option 1 or “Spanish” option 2 to schedule.
or call 1-866-680-0633 and select “Where is My Ride” option 1 or “Spanish” option 2 to schedule.
United Healthcare: Go to https://portal.tenncarriers.com/Account/Login
or call 1-866-405-0238 and select “Where is My Ride” option 1 or “Spanish” option 2 to schedule.
or call 1-866-405-0238 and select “Where is My Ride” option 1 or “Spanish” option 2 to schedule.
BlueCare: Go to https://member.verida.com
or call 1-855-735-4660 and select “Where is My Ride” option 3 or “Spanish” option 9 to schedule.
or call 1-855-735-4660 and select “Where is My Ride” option 3 or “Spanish” option 9 to schedule.
EMERGENCY CARE
In Any Emergency
CALL 911
Your immediate health and safety are top priority! Specific medical providers like your Primary Care Physician should NOT be your first point of contact in case of a health emergency unless otherwise indicated by them! Once you have received emergency care for any medical emergency, be sure to closely follow instructions given to you by the medical professionals you received treatment from.
CALL 911
Your immediate health and safety are top priority! Specific medical providers like your Primary Care Physician should NOT be your first point of contact in case of a health emergency unless otherwise indicated by them! Once you have received emergency care for any medical emergency, be sure to closely follow instructions given to you by the medical professionals you received treatment from.
In Case of a Mental Health Emergency
CALL 911 or CALL THE 988 SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE
